As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, fall flavors are all around us. Making homemade dog treats is a fun, healthy way to indulge your pup with the flavors of fall! Here are some easy, healthy recipes for pumpkin and apple-flavored dog treats your furry friend will gobble up.
1. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Biscuits
Pumpkin is not only a classic fall flavor; it’s also packed with fiber and beneficial nutrients like Vitamin A and C, which help boost immune health.
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
1/2 cup peanut butter (unsweetened and xylitol-free)
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour if your dog has sensitivities)
A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until fully incorporated. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the biscuits are firm and golden.
2. Apple Carrot Pupcakes
These apple-carrot “pupcakes” make a perfect fall snack for dogs. Apples are full of fiber and vitamins, while carrots add a nice crunch and are great for dental health.
1 cup grated apple (remove seeds and core)
1 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
1/2 tsp baking powder
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a mini muffin tin with liners or lightly grease it. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until fully incorporated. Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tins, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
*Optionally, you can “frost” with a little dollop of plain Greek yogurt!
3. Sweet Potato & Apple Chews
Sweet potatoes are another fall favorite, and they’re rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. These chews are simple to make and great for keeping dogs busy.
1 large sweet potato
1 apple (remove seeds and core)
Preheat your oven to 250°. Slice the sweet potato and apple into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until the slices are dried out but still chewy.
4. Cranberry Pumpkin Bites
Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants and are a festive fall flavor!
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
1 egg
2 cups oat flour (just blend oats into flour if you don’t have any)
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until fully incorporated. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch) and place on a lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork. Bake for 15-20 minutes until firm.
5. Cinnamon-Apple Pup Donuts
If you really want to go all out, these cinnamon-apple “donuts” are a fun twist! They’re wholesome and perfectly fall-themed, with a light apple flavor and a hint of cinnamon.
1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan (or form small “donut” shapes by hand). Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until fully incorporated. Spoon the dough into the donut pan or shape into small rings on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
These DIY treats are a fantastic way to give your dog a taste of fall’s best flavors! Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a healthier alternative to many store-bought treats. Get ready to make this fall season a little tastier for your four-legged friend. 🍁
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